Strict new tests for Saudi healthcare staff

STAFF CLAMPDOWN: Healthcare staff in Mecca will have to undergo strict tests before they will be allowed to work in the city. (Getty Images)

A strict licensing clampdown on healthcare professionals working in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca is to be introduced, after it was revealed that 800 staff had lied about their qualifications, it was reported on Saturday.

During the past two months 800 have been found to be fake, while there was not enough evidence to prove the others were bogus too, said Dr Hussein Al Feraihi, secretary general of the Saudi Council for Health Specialities, which will carry out the new tests.   

“Though the council did not have the evidence to prove that all those documents were forged, it has the right to reject a certificate if it suspects its origin or credibility.”

“The department has also taken steps to prepare a database for health establishments in the province,” Al Feraihi said.

The fake documents included those of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, opticians, laboratory technicians and physiotherapists, dental technicians and technicians of X-ray, sterilization, anesthesia, EEG, labor rooms and blood banks.

“However, the council has learned that some of the holders of rejected certificates are still working in their respective establishments, even after it notified the licensing department about such people,” he warned.

The Medical and Pharmacy Licensing Department of the Health Directorate in Mecca has informed all hospital and health clinics of the new testing decision, and the council has warned the Passport Department and the Ministry of Health of the matter, Al Feraihi said.

The total number of barred medical workers in the Kingdom is 12,000, either a temporary or permanent ban.

A permanent ban is used in cases of negligence, poor professional ethics or unacceptable qualifications including forgery.

A temporary ban is for workers who do not pass the evaluation tests that can be retaken after attending more training.

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